Seven-Seven-Seven

You have probably already heard about how today is supposed to be the luckiest day of the year because it is 7-7-07.  The media has talked about how people have booked weddings, are launching businesses, and gamblers are sure that today will be the best day to lay down their cash at the multitude of casinos across the country. LUCK. How many times do you hear people exclaim that they were just "lucky" when something either good happened to them or some tragedy was averted? We wish people "good luck." We flippantly say to friends that some people "have all the luck." So, I guess today would be the day to buy those lottery tickets, make a bet at the race track or take some monumental personal step, because it is all about luck –right?

As a new Christian, it was certainly an eye opener to realize that "luck" was not a preferred thought in the Christian faith. As my mind and heart were changed by God I came to realize that all the things that at one time in my life I might have attributed to coincidence or even being "really lucky" had nothing to do with the imaginary thing called luck but had more to do with the very real thing called God. This was a  transformation, more so, then I would have thought. It was not that I did not believe in God or Jesus before, it was that coming to Christ changes how you see everything. It was also about a church I used to attend that would have had no problem with people talking about luck. Their objections to this would have been more in line with how silly it would be to count on such stuff. But the element that Jesus is our only hope and God is our divine Father who is really there and that prayer and faith is what we need, would not be necessarily pointed out as the alternative to wishing for good luck. Believing in luck would have seemed harmless. It always strikes me how illogical all this was. So many of us claim to be a Christian and then wear our lucky socks to the game hoping this will make all the difference for our team.

Today is one of those days when we need to really proclaim Jesus Christ to all our friends and remind them that there is nothing sillier then betting on a date to guarantee a good marriage, and nothing more important then to recognize the truth in Gods love, and Christ's sacrifice for us.  How many casino attendees and lottery users today will throw out an extra bundle of cash with the hope and faith in a date of 7-7-07? How many of them will come home empty devastated by more problems then they had before. Luck will let them down. Satan will have gathered another stronghold in their lives. For many of them Jesus has nothing to do with their lives, or their future. They believe in the universe, fate, lady luck or a chain letter they received on an email.

What has any of this to do with Acts 25: 1-27, you might be wondering? As we read about all that Paul struggles through, we see him devoutly adhering to faith in God and in Christ Jesus. The passages for today show a litany of circumstances that one could attribute to "luck" if you were a non-believer. But they are so miraculous and so much bigger then stupid "luck" that I would hope that the  reader would give pause and think, "how could all of this happen in this way? It must have been more then luck!" Paul at every twist and turn in Acts appears to be doomed. Here again, after remaining in prison for two years, he gets a new leader after Felix, named Festus who appears to be as confused as to what to do with this 'Paul person' as Felix was. Then King Agrippa arrives and once again, not fate, but God's hand makes the impossible become possible so that Paul will go to Rome. His mission marches on when it could have been ended several times in the book of Acts. This is such an astonishingly and overwhelmingly powerful testimony about how God is working so clearly in the world as a whole and in our personal lives. There is no luck or fate here. There is not a special date on the calendar that will make all things happen. Here we see our incomprehensible and wonderful Lord of all the heavens, creator of all things, our Almighty Father, working his word into the world, moving mountains and men against all the odds,  so that the world and our lives will be changed forever.

I wonder what Jesus would say to those who are betting their future on 7-7-07 today? He might say, "Come, follow me, bet on me. I am the real prize. There is nothing like me in all the treasures in this universe."

Laurie Erdman

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Waiting...

Acts 24:1-27

Governor Felix told Paul he would hear Paul’s case once his accusers arrived. Five days later they came and the trial began. Felix heard Paul’s testimony and then put things on hold again. But he said he would decide the case after the garrison commander came to testify. Although the text tells us that Paul had many more opportunities to go before Felix – and Felix’s wife, too – to talk about Jesus, there is no mention of the commander ever coming. Then the chapter, and today’s reading close with “After two years went by like this, … he left Paul in prison.”

Two years in prison, and now there was a new governor, Festus, that Paul would have to start over with. But Paul had even been given a word from God, telling him that God’s plan and purpose was to have Paul go to Rome to preach the Gospel. I think Paul was prepared for his preaching to be done while in chains, but right now he’s just sitting in Caesarea. He has opportunity to share the gospel, but it seems like Felix is using Paul for entertainment more than he is to learn more about salvation through Jesus.

The text does not suggest that Paul was frustrated or that he questioned what was happening, but I know I would. Have you been stuck in the waiting game? Are you still waiting for a word from the Lord for direction or wisdom? Have you already received your marching orders, feel like you know what God has called you to do, but are finding it difficult to match your call with the circumstances you’re facing now? Does it seem like what you’re experiencing is a hindrance to accomplishing the task you’re called to?

Most of us are not very good at the discipline of silence. We get frustrated when our computers take 5 seconds more than usual to boot up. We get stressed when we have to wait for too many red lights. It’s difficult for us to wait for God’s leading, and it’s really hard when we feel led by God and things don’t seem to be working out.

I’m reminded of a song by Shane and Shane called, “Waiting Room” from the project, Psalms. Let the chorus be our prayer in our waiting game.

i will run when i cannot walk
i will sing when there is no song
i will pray when there is no prayer
i will listen when i cannot hear

sitting in the waiting room of silence
waiting for that still soft voice i know
offering my words up to the rooftop to Your heart
trusting that this closet's where You are

Lord i know if i change my mind
You will change my heart in time
Sovereign Lord this time's from You
so i sit in the waiting room of silence
cause its all about You

i will fight when i cannot feel
i will trust when You dont seem real
i will tell when i cannot speak
i will step when i cannot see

Right Person, Right Place, Right Time

Acts 23:12-35

Here is a phrase you will never hear me say -- "It was just a
coincidence." Did Paul's nephew "just happen" to hear of the conspiracy
to ambush Paul and kill him? I don't think so. God had the right person
in the right place at the right time.

This brings to my mind our recent flat tire. It didn't happen as we
drove from Eau Claire to LaCrosse. It didn't happen as we drove from
LaCrosse, later in the week, to Mauston. But the tire had been damaged.
It went flat while the car sat in my brother-in-law's driveway in
Mauston. Sturdy relatives were there, cheerful and persistent as they
changed the tire for us. I praise God for His protection and provision.

I try to put into practice Proverbs 3:5, 6 - "Trust in the Lord with
all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways
acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths." Acknowledge Him. I
make it a point to give Him the credit.

Now, back to Paul. He was eager for the opportunity to visit his
Christian brothers and sisters in Rome. Did he know that when he did
so, he would be in chains?

The Holy Spirit had been guiding Paul as he made his various journeys.
Sometimes His leading meant a change of plans (e.g. Acts 16:6-10).
Sometimes the Lord encouraged Paul to remain where he was (Acts
18:9-11). Oh, that we all might likewise be attuned to our Master's
voice. Yes, and that we would hear His words, "Don't be afraid" in our
times of distress. It seems that He nudges us when we need to move,
quiets us when He wants us still, guides our thoughts in new
directions. Usually one step at a time. And if we miss His guidance, He
gives us another chance.

Go back with me to Acts 21:10-14. Agabus prophesied what would happen
to Paul if he continued on to Jerusalem. All the believers begged Paul
not to go. Something similar had happened at Tyre (Acts 21:4-6). Have
you ever been convinced in your spirit that God wanted you to take a
certain step, and then have those you love try to dissuade you? It can
tear you apart. It can tear families apart.

So Paul arrives in Jerusalem. The crowds become violent. Paul is now
the target of assassins. But the Lord has told him (23:11), "Be
encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in
Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well." And preach
in Rome he did.

Being in chains didn't mean he was no longer useful to God. Paul was
the right person, in the right place, at the right time.

Deetje Wildes

Paul's Commission

Notice Paul’s words: “I saw a vision of Jesus…”  How hard it must have been for Paul to admit the following - I was in complete agreement with the killing of Stephen (It can be very painful to admit one’s participation in wrong-doing).  V. 21 Paul’s commission was mainly to “preach to the Gentiles” (that is, to the non-Jewish people) while Peter’s mission was to preach especially to Jewish folks.  Read Galatians 2:7 (and also Romans 11:13)  Someone has said that wherever Paul went to preach, there was either a revival or a riot – and sometimes both!  22:22 Paul was able to use his Roman citizenship to advantage at times.  23:6-10 The difference in the beliefs of Pharisees & Sadducees is briefly presented…and both were opposed to the Christian faith the apostles were preaching and teaching about Jesus.  23:11 The Lord gave to Paul great encouragement – by what means?  Consider: how and when have you in your life been greatly encouraged by the Lord?  23:11 Notice: Paul is told by the Lord that he will be going to Rome.

 

Donald E. Pardun

 

Telling Your Story

Acts 21:37-22:16

The drama of Paul's arrest continues in today's reading, and I find myself a bit amused by the question of the Roman commander: "Aren't you the Egyptian who led a rebellion some time ago?" This man who had arrested Paul didn't even know who he was or why he was being beaten by the mob. So Paul takes this opportunity to address the mob and speak in his own defense.

Two things leap out at me from this section of reading. The first thing is that the Roman commander is surprised that Paul would know Greek. And then when Paul addresses the mob, he speaks in Aramaic. Paul seems very aware of how the language he chooses to use affects the people with whom he is speaking. By speaking to the mob in their own language, he is able to silence the crowd and get them to pay attention to him. The commander, too, seems more willing to assist Paul because Paul spoke to him in Greek.

While we may not have much opportunity to use different languages in our daily lives, it's clear that how we speak has an effect on those with whom we are speaking. You may have discovered that words we commonly use in the church, like "justification" or "salvation" or even "grace," don't often have the same (or any) meaning to those outside the church. I sometimes make it a point to leave out "churchy" words when talking about Christianity to non-Christians. Or, if I must use particularly churchy words, making sure they understand what I mean by them. The point is to try to make a connection, and if we speak in "Christianese," we may end up putting up a wall instead of building a bridge.

The other thing I notice in today's reading is how Paul speaks in his defense. He simply tells his story.

We all have our own stories of how we came to faith in Jesus. For some people the stories are about dramatic shifts in lifestyle; for some of us it's a seamless process of being raised in the faith and then claiming it as our own. But everyone has a story. Sometimes -- maybe all the time -- your own personal story of how you came to faith is best witnessing tool you have.

These are things to keep in mind when you have the opportunity to speak to others about Jesus. Talk in such a way that you can build a connection to your listeners, and then just tell your story.

--Drew Clausen

Try As You May

Acts 21:15-36

Today's reading reminds me that there are some days and situations that despite all one's good intentions, right heart, even noble actions -- you'll be misunderstood! The leaders of the church in Jerusalem and Paul are much aware of the tainted perceptions people in the church and people in that culture had of Paul and his message. And, they very deliberately planned their actions to give evidence to the truth. But when people are stuck in sin, when they refuse to be reconciled to God and each other, sometimes our best words and actions will be misread.

The church leaders' plan for Paul to appear in the temple, and participate in the Jewish purification vow seems completely to backfire. Rather than validating Paul, it becomes a venue for crowds to riot, to revile him, and further reject his message.

There will be days like that.

It strikes me significant that the 'issue' at the center of the firestorm was one that still today draws together or vastly separates crowds of people. In verse 21 the leaders of the Jerusalem church inform Paul of a misinformed perception out there affecting both believers and the larger community:

the Jewish believers here in Jerusalem have been told that you are teaching all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn their backs on the laws of Moses. They've heard that you teach them not to circumcise their children or follow other Jewish customs.

One of the most simple yet profound-to-comprehend 'watershed continental dividers' of spiritual life has to do with understanding how and why people do good and follow God's Law. The tension rests between that absolute human instinct and urge that believes God's Law is followed because of obligation, because one has to, in order to make God pleased with me. And, on the other side, the place our impossible helplessness before the Law brings us to, when we see that Jesus' death is God's sole answer and my only hope to ever fulfill God's Law and to have Him be pleased with me! When I am brought to this grace place, then, resting and trusting completely in this grace, I am renewed and enabled (albeit imperfectly) to gratefully respond by living according to God's Law. No longer is it have to, but I want to, I get to follow God!

This simple difference on why and how one follows God's will, will always in this life separate crowds of people. It taints how people understand each other, their traditions and motivations. It touches all kinds of sensitive areas of life: beliefs, personal histories, fears, hurts, prejudices, self-righteous self-perceptions, unyielded places in our lives. It presents for humanity a spiritual Scylla & Charybdis, where many wreck their lives on the rocks of rigid and heartless legalism on one side, or unloving and permissive excess on the other.

The ONLY thing that steers me straight is daily the good news of Jesus living, dying, rising for me.

Pastor Paul

Gods Counsel or Gods Call

Acts. 21:1-14

 

Who is right?  Counselors said very specifically to Paul that there would be trouble for him if he went to Jerusalem.  Yet that was the call of his heart.  His counselors were very specific about what was waiting for him there.  He went anyway.

 

Now if I was one of these counselors, I might have referred to Paul as foolish, strong willed, or just a plain idiot.  I mean what is wrong with his head?  Everyone is saying the same thing. Who does he think he is?  Is Paul behaving foolishly or courageously?  You know which I think!

 

These men have a different spin.  You can tell they love him dearly—their entire families love him. They hold him with an open hand.  They trust him.  They want him to respond to God’s call in his heart.  They trust God.

 

How have I responded to my children when they approach me with plans and directions for their lives?  “You want to do what?!?”  Okay, children are not a fair example—or are they?

 

“The Lord’s will be done.”

 

Steve Louden